Hydroplaning occurs when the tires of your car lose contact with the road and ride up on a wedge of water. Make sure your tires have proper treads and are properly inflated. If you do hydroplane, keep the steering wheel straight, take your foot off the gas. Don’t hit your brakes or try to steer. As you slow, the weight of the car will cause it to settle down onto the road again.

Be very cautious in light rain or mist. Oil and dirt on the roadway surface make driving extra slippery.

Remember, puddles can hide potentially damaging potholes.

Inclement weather

May change the road conditions, contribute to collisions and other road obstructions.

Always follow directions of police officers and be alert for barricades, warnings, and debris.

Floods

Do not attempt to drive through flood waters. The water may be deeper than it looks. Two (2) feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

If you happen to drive into an area where water is running swiftly, the force of the current may pull your car to one side. If this happens ease off the gas pedal, but don’t touch the brakes. Then steer away from the swift water.

If your car is caught in a flash flood, get out of your car immediately and move to higher ground.

Winter storms

Before driving, thoroughly clean ice and snow off all windows, the hood and the trunk.

Utilize snow tires and chains if necessary.

Drive slowly. Depending on the weight of your vehicle, you will need three (3) to twelve (12) times more stopping distance on icy roads than on dry surfaces.

Ease off the accelerator when stopping.

Remember, bridges and overpasses usually freeze first, slow down when approaching them.

If caught in a blizzard, stay in your car. Leave a window partially open. Clear the snow away from your tailpipe. Run the engine & heater for about 10 minutes every hour to stay warm.